Model T(ransparency)

Granicus recently released a report, outlining a comprehensive approach for gaining citizen input, prioritizing issues, and developing strategic approaches to solving problems. The “Transparency 2.0” vision is about more than simply posting government data online:

While open data comprised much of what online transparency used to be, today, government agencies have expanded openness to include public records, legislative data, decision-making workflow, and citizen ideation and feedback.

This paper outlines the principles of Transparency 2.0, the fundamentals and best practices for creating the most advanced and comprehensive online open government that over a thousand state, federal, and local government agencies are now using to reduce information requests, create engagement, and improve efficiency.

The report includes specific suggestions for effective open government online, such as posting a calendar of city council meetings and indexed meeting videos for citizens’ benefit, and examples of successful “Citizensourcing” initiatives in cities like Austin, TX.

To download the report from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) website, click here.